Liverpool - Top 30 players - Number 7 - Ian Callaghan

It's amazing that Liverpool's record appearance holder doesn't get much more recognition - at many other clubs he would be higher than the ranking of seven, but Ian Callaghan is a true Liverpool great.

'Cally' came through the ranks at the club, making his debut in 1960 and had an illustrious career lasting 18 years which saw the club rise from the Second Division to European Champions.

It was the 1961/62 season that he would really start to play regularly on the wing. The previous year saw Bill Shankly hold him back so he didn't have to rely on him so much.

But he would go on to make a massive contribution under both Shankly and then Bob Paisley. Callaghan was part of the side that secured two League Titles in 1964 and 1966, while his cross for Ian St John's header at Wembley was pivotal in securing the club's first FA Cup triumph in 1965.

He was young enough to survive the changes that Shankly made to the squad in the late 60's going into the 1970's as the side underwent something of an overhaul.

In the 1970-71 season, he would undergo a knee operation, and when he returned to the side he was given a more central midfield role.

From then on he would enjoy great success including more league titles, success in Europe and another FA Cup to add to his name in 1974 - the year where he won the Football Writers Player of the Year Award.

In total he would win five league titles, two UEFA Cups, two FA Cups and two European Cups, having made 857 appearances for the club, scoring 68 goals.

1978 was the year when Callaghan called time on his Liverpool career after losing his place in the side to Graeme Souness. That season he was named on the bench as the Reds made it back-to-back European Cup triumphs.

He then spent three years at Swansea City under former teammate John Toshack. Following on from that, he had a brief spell with Crewe Alexandra after was persuaded by Alan A'Court. However, and injury to his Achilles tendon would force him into retirement shortly before he turned 40.

It was announced in 2007 that Callaghan would receive his World Cup winners medal from 1966 - 41 years after their triumph. He had played just the one game for the Three Lions in that success, and made a total four appearances for his country.

Ian Bolland

A journalism graduate of Liverpool John Moores University. During his time at university, Ian spent time on work experience at local newspapers in Liverpool, Bolton and Wigan, and prior to that he did work for The Observer's 'fans verdict'. Ian also has interests in news, current affairs and business but mostly sport, including football, rugby league, cricket, golf and Formula 1, amongst others.